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There are a good number of gems to be found in the lower divisions if clubs can be bothered to look for them and one of the brightest of them, Oldham’s George Edmundson is currently being sought by several clubs including Scottish Premier side Glasgow Rangers.

It’s always a blow to a club’s supporters to lose an integral member of the team but given Oldham’s league status, diminishing support and financial uncertainty the chance to cash in on a player is a pill that has to be swallowed.

The question as to whether Edmundson can make the step up to a higher division has already been answered, by the clubs who have shown an interest in him. Originally that consisted of the likes of Scunthorpe and Fleetwood but Edmundson will surely be aware that he can set his sights much higher, and that he would be seriously undervaluing himself if he didn’t aim for the best option available to him.

Although Latics fans would miss the young defender, they can surely not deny him the chance to possibly play in the Europa League next season and also experience the delight of a Glasgow derby!

Oldham have lost players to bigger clubs in the past and that is a burden we have had to carry. Another ex-Latics defender who began his career with us is James Tarkowski, who is now with Premier League Burnley and in the England squad.

It could be (but is highly unlikely) that the promising centre back might be persuaded to stay with Oldham until his contract runs out next season, however ‘cashing in’ on him now makes more sense as far as the club’s financial situation. The figures being reported are close to the £500,000 mark, and that is a figure we can’t afford to turn down no matter how much people think he will be worth in the future.

Should Edmundson go, it is to be hoped that he finds his way into the first team as soon as possible, rather than become lost in the club’s reserves. It will hopefully give a chance to one of Latics other youngsters to step up to the mark in his place.

When both players were injured at Newport County, it is hardly surprising that Latics went on to lose the game and then let in five against Northampton when the duo were again missing for the final game of the season.

Oldham Athletic’s Awards Dinner was dominated by Peter Clarke (Trust Oldham Player of the Season, Supporter’s Player of the Season and Goal of the Season) and George Edmundson (Oldham Athletic Community Trust Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season) and rightly so. Both player’s contributions to this season have been immensely important and cannot be ignored.

Peter Clarke’s contract expires at the end of this season and depending on where you read it, he is not expected to remain at Boundary Park because he wants a move or the club have no intention of offering him a contract. Peter Wild who obviously knows Clarke well said “Pete has made a phenomenal impact on the club, leads as a role model on and off the pitch, any young player in the game looking to get into the game or establish themselves in the game should look no further than Peter Clarke, he’s the ultimate role model for this football club and many players across the country.”

Clarke hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, or not being as sharp as is capable of and to lose such a player would be a grave mistake indeed. Given that he has played most of the games this season, he should be given the chance to lead the line again next season.

George Edmondson still has 12 months left on his contract but it hasn’t stopped club’s from keeping an eye on him. Sunderland, Stoke and Preston have all been reported as showing interest and, if they come up with a big enough carrot, cash strapped Latics are unlikely to be able to resist it. The fact that he was the players choice as Player of the Year, shows that the 21-year-old has a bright future.

Manchester United this summer have got to play smart if they want to find the right recruitment to rebuild. Many of their rivals and European giants are all in the search for talent, and the Red Devils are looking a little closer to home.

Man United now know they will not be playing Champions League football next season and, can plan accordingly. What United have not to do is what has happened in recent transfer windows, buying for the here and now.

The Red Devils need to start nailing their recruitment once again and invest in not only now to improve the team but look two, maybe three seasons ahead. United’s academy is one of the best around, and has been for a number of decades with it bringing through the infamous class of 92, and more recently Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford to name a few.

Two young names United have been linked with is Ben Godfrey and Logan Pye…

Ben Godfrey

Rio Ferdinand’s starlet Godfrey has been making waves in the Championship with League winners Norwich City. Currently, under the New Era umbrella, Ferdinand has been championing the 21-year-old defender who has made 35 appearances this season, scoring four goals in the process.

Currently rated at 3.50m, Norwich are currently looking for a rumoured 15m for the player. Godfrey isn’t pushing for a move, however, Old Trafford is always an irresistible offer for any player.

He seems good in the air, and his short passing game out of defence is a huge bonus.

Logan Pye

Logan Pye is only 15-year-old and is already attracting the likes of United, a rumoured £500,000 move for the left-back is in the pipeline this summer, with United looking to bring in the highly rated Sunderland man.

He’s made three appearances in the Premier League u18 league, scoring once and is yet to make his England u16 debut. However, with his current potential career trajectory, this won’t be far off.

We may not see Pye come to fruition any time soon, but United are taking the right steps for the future of the club.

Looking back over the head-to-head meetings between the sides (Stats Via 11v11) the sides have met ten times since 1978. In them matches Rochdale have only managed one win – 2104 – and two draws.

Now in Brian Barry-Murphy’s mind, however much he’d love to win every game, he’d much prefer to take points off the teams in and around them and sacrifice any losses against the likes of Sunderland and Portsmouth.

Nevertheless, the renewed confidence within the squad following only one defeat in his six games in charge, and hoisting themselves out of the League Two relegation zone is there for all to see.

Barry-Murphy has instilled a way to win and got a tune out of a squad of players, who were quite frankly underachieving and under performing under the old regime for most of the season.

An away fixture to a team who have four straight wins under their belt in the league and fighting for a promotion place is not best welcomed. However, Rochdale pushed Sunderland close last week and they can draw experience from that result, alongside the fact they kept a clean sheet in a win mid week in the league since they last played Accrington Stanley back in November.

There are a six points separating 10 places in the league, a couple of wins and Dale could see themselves midtable, however, a couple of losses and they could be back in the relegation zone – it’s that tight.

With games coming up against Southend and Wycombe, who are both on a poor run of results, they are must win matches. So today, even if Dale grab a point it can be seen as a hugely positive result and one that further cements Barry-Murphys amazing turnaround at the club.

Brian Barry-Murphy was finally confirmed as Rochdale’s next manager at a press conference on Wednesday, being given a two year contract after presiding over an unbeaten run in his four games in temporary charge. Rochdale collected eight points during this time which has seen them get themselves back into contention for survival, in what has turned into quite a battle at the bottom.

His first game in permanent charge sees his side take on their biggest challenge thus far in his tenure, with Sunderland visiting Spotland. Rochdale fans will already have a good idea of the kind of team that will be on show from what lineups they have already seen him pick.

This is my speculation of a potential line up;

Goalkeeper: 1. Josh Lillis

Lillie’s return to fitness has seen the departure of Andy Lonergan back to Middlesbrough. His spell will be fondly remembered by fans for his high quality performances, but Josh’s return should see a stability between the sticks that the Spotland faithful haven’t seen this season.

Right Back: 2. Ryan McLaughlin

Ryan has been plagued with fitness and injury problems since his arrival but still represents Rochdale’s best option at right back at this current time, so hopefully he is able to kick on and avoid the treatment table in the future.

Centre Back: 6. Ethan Ebanks-Landell

I have waxed lyrical about him before so I will try and not go over old ground but for me he is Rochdale’s best centre back and is too good for the level he us currently operating it. One of the first names on my team sheet.

Centre Back: 3. Kgosi Ntlhe

Kgosi has been a revelation since his return from injury and has played his way into the starting 11 with a couple of impressive performances, chipping in at both ends with important tackles and goals.

Left Back: 39. Joe Bunney

Sadly, potentially Rochdale’s weakest position with only two real options there if Kgosi plays centrally. I would favour Joe Bunney there over Matty Done but neither are traditional left backs.

Right Midfield: 7. Stephen Dooley

Someone who hasn’t featured frequently under BBM yet but a player I believe should come into the team, as his dribbling and marauding runs down the wing could be vital at unlocking opposition defences.

Centre Midfield: 14. Oliver Rathbone

Another one who has greatly impressed since his return from injury, always giving 100%, and bringing a consistent energy and drive to the team from the middle of the pitch. Another of my easy picks.

Centre Midfield: 27. Ethan Hamilton

I rate Hamilton highly as he is another loan player I think will be operating at a loftier level next season. He complements Rathbone nicely and isn’t short on talent or passion.

Left Midfield: 19. Bradden Inman

Seems to have been in and out of the team a lot this season, never being able to hold down a regular spot, but I see him as one of Rochdale’s better wide options. He plays in a similar mould to Dooley and I think Rochdale will benefit from his creativity and dribbling.

Centre Attacking Midfield: 40. Ian Henderson

I don’t think much needs to be said as to why his inclusion is important with him being Rochdale’s top scorer this season. Without his goal tally of 17, Dale would surely be relegated already. It is impossible to underestimate his influence.

Striker: 18. Aaron Wilbraham

Another player who has played himself into a starting spot under BBM with his recent match winning brace against Scunthorpe. He looks set for a prolonged run in the first team in a season in which he has struggled to find consistency.

Subs: Wade, MJ Williams, Done, Keohane, Camps, Adshead & Andrew

(I am currently unaware of Zach Clough’s injury status but if fit I would expect him to take one of the spaces on the bench).

The games I remember well are the ones with an electric atmosphere. An FC United game where the home fans mocked each other depending on what stand they were in for a full 90 minutes, a more recent trip to Doncaster v Sunderland; they may have cried on Netflix but the travelling band of Sunderland away fans are incredible. And of course, every City fan from the bad old days remembers Helen Turner and her bell.

People bemoaning the lack of atmosphere in modern football definitely have a point, at the top level neutrals want to go and see the likes of De Brunye, Sane and Hazard play, and ticket prices have seen off some fans.

However in the National League and National League North, with the exception of a few groundhoppers, most people there are fans, or at least have a passing interest in the team.

There was a post in the Curzon Ashton fan group about getting home games like they used to be, scarves, flags and a lot of noise.

The Nash have had a difficult 12 months, which does put people off going to games. However, with the momentum behind them and remaining unbeaten in 2019 so far, a glimmer of hope of reaching the playoffs, hopefully, we will see a few more locals heading to the ground and getting behind their team. There is no denying that an atmosphere makes a ground a more intimidating place to go for opposition fans, and can give players themselves a bit of a lift, there’s a reason the term, “12th man” exists in the first place.

Curzon have an excellent stadium for a ground at this level, it’s a short hop from Ashton Train station (and Ikea, cheer on the Nash, buy a Sjalland chair on your way out, everyone’s a winner), it has the infrastructure to host bigger crowds than it currently pulls. When you get to the ground the shop near the entrance sells a host of old programmes, as well as various Curzon scarves, badges and shirts.

We are well and truly in the business end of the season now, and Curzon’s miraculous recovery from staring down the barrel of Northern Premiership football to potentially making the playoffs is an achievement in itself.

Curzon still have some tough games home games ahead, against the likes of Altrincham, Spennymoor and Stockport, who are all sitting pretty, higher up the league and will be trying to make sure they aren’t dropping points at this late stage in the competition.

Curzon have a real chance of the highest league position finish in their history this season, and not only that but a real chance of a playoff place, so jump on the bandwagon, grab a scarf and come and cheer on the best team in Tameside.